Update: Tragic Bus Accident on Cruise-Sponsored Shore Excursion

February 23, 2010

Update, 4:55 p.m. EST: A spokesperson for Princess Cruises says that the two injured guests have been released from the hospital, and a Care Team is en route to provide support for the affected passengers. The "Tropical Forest Hike and Beach" excursion is canceled until further notice.

(2:21 p.m. EST) -- A tour bus carrying passengers from Princess Cruises' Caribbean Princess to a "Tropical Forest Hike and Beach" ship-sponsored shore excursion in Tortola went off the road and flipped earlier today. Of the 20 passengers onboard, one person was killed and two others were seriously injured.

According to a statement issued by the cruise line, Princess is still investigating the details of this morning's accident. The injured passengers have been taken to a local hospital, while the other tour participants are back on the ship, being checked out by the ship's medical staff. The passenger who died was a 24-year-old man from Rochester, New York, on vacation with his parents, who were also on the tour. Princess is providing support to the family during this difficult time.

Caribbean Princess is on the second day of its seven-night Southern Caribbean itinerary. It was in St. Thomas yesterday, and is scheduled to visit Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados before returning to its embarkation port of San Juan on Sunday.